The US Mission to Nigeria as millions of Nigerians grapple with soaring inflation, severe poverty, Subsidy Removal, and a shrinking economy, has raised alarm over the blatant fiscal irresponsibility and rascality exhibited by Nigerian government, in presidency, and some state governors.
In a statement posted on Twitter during its #TransparencyTuesday campaign, the U.S. Mission unequivocally cited an investigative report made by The Africa Report exposing how certain governors are spending billions of naira on extravagant government lodges and mansions even when citizens are constantly being urged to “endure economic hardship like labor pains.” In Bola Tinubu’s voice : “They should tighten their belts, while the politicians losen theirs.”
The U.S. Mission noted that “Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust.
Hard Times for the Average Nigerian citizen.
Nigeria’s economic situation has overtly taken a dire turn since the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023 by Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his inauguration day, and the unification of the exchange rate. While these reforms were hailed as necessary for long-term stability, their immediate adverse effects have led to skyrocketing transportation costs, increased food prices, poverty, and overall hardship.
Meanwhile , as the average Nigerian struggles to make ends meet, state governors appear to be spending public funds on luxurious projects that offer little to no economic return. It would be traced to the presidency that led the precedence by using 21 billion naira to renovate the vice-president’s residential building.
How Nigerian State Governors Prioritize Palaces Over Public Welfare
According to investigative piece by The Africa Report reveals several instances where governors are allocating billions for the construction of new government lodges:
In Benue State, a North Central partt of Nigeria, the government reportedly earmarked ₦40 billion for a new governor’s lodge.
Same as Taraba State is said to have budgeted over ₦10 billion for a similar project.
Anambra state is not left behind as Governor Chukwu Charles Soludo did same by building a new government house in the state Capital.
Meanwhile, some other states, despite having large debts and unpaid salaries, are reportedly prioritizing government buildings and motorcades over quality healthcare, education, or job creation.
BudgIT and CISLAC Speak Out with facts
Leading civic organizations have condemned the trend, and slammed it as fiscal irresponsibility.
@BudgITng, a Nigerian civic tech group focused on budget transparency, warned:
“Instead of funding schools, clinics, or agriculture, leaders prioritize buildings they barely use, and getting applause for doing thus”.
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Similarly, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), a leading anti-corruption NGO, also lamented:
According to them, “There is more money, little accountability, and no priority.”
They stressed that such reckless fiscal behavior and rascality widens inequality, erodes public trust, and undermines public confidence in governance.
A Broader Crisis of Accountability stagnating development
This development further highlights the lack of transparency in Nigeria’s budget planning and implementation, especially at the state level.
According to data from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), most states in Nigeria do not comply with public procurement laws or make their budget details publicly accessible. This Singular act raises questions about transparency and accountability.
The disconnect between government priorities and citizen needs is deepening. Citing some examples, Over 10.5 million Nigerian children remain out of school, Whilst many primary healthcare centers lack basic equipment and personnel.
It’s also a notable facts that Unemployment remains high, especially among youth and graduates in the country.
In conclusion, The U.S. Mission’s tweet is more than just diplomatic commentary but a deep call for action and sincere introspection from the part of Nigerian Government and leaders.
As the economic pressure mounts, Nigerians are demanding more from their leaders: transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance are not too much to ask from the citizens of the most populous black nation on the planet earth.
